Feb 7, Geneva: As per the request by South Korea, the UN Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting later following North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, local media reports said.
Pyongyang said it fired the rocket to place a satellite in orbit, but critics believe the real purpose was to test a ballistic missile.
Sunday's launch comes weeks after North Korea held a fourth nuclear test - both acts violate UN resolutions.
A statement said a new Earth observation satellite, Kwangmyongsong-4, had successfully been put into orbit less than 10 minutes after lift-off from the Sohae space centre in North Phyongan province, BBC news report said.
Hailing it as part of the country's peaceful space programme, a state TV newsreader said the launch had been ordered by North Korea's leader Kim Jon-un and more satellite launches were planned for the future.
The Oslo Times